During lunch period, Alicia joined him at his usual isolated table along with several members of the school orchestra who had never given him a second glance before.
"Everyone's talking about you," one of them said. "Someone posted about your audition on social media, and it's getting shared like crazy."
Elijah shifted uncomfortably under the attention. "It wasn't that big a deal."
"Are you kidding?" another student chimed in. "Mr. Patterson from Franklin Prep was there. He's already asking if you'd consider transferring to their music program."
The conversation continued, but Elijah noticed Alicia had grown quiet, her expression troubled.
"What's wrong?" he asked when the others were distracted.
"Nothing," she said quickly. "Just... be careful, okay? Not everyone is happy about what happened yesterday."
Her warning proved prophetic. That evening, the school janitor discovered the music room door ajar. Inside, he found destruction: the grand piano had been vandalized—its keys ripped out, wires snapped, the beautiful instrument rendered unplayable. He immediately called Principal Cartwright.
By the following morning, news of the vandalism had spread throughout the school. An emergency assembly was called, with Cartwright addressing the student body from the stage where Elijah had triumphed just a day before.
"This act of vandalism is not only a crime against school property, but an attack on our entire community," Cartwright announced, his voice grave. "Rest assured, we will find those responsible." His eyes scanned the auditorium before landing on Elijah seated in the back row. "We are investigating all possibilities," he continued, "including the theory that perhaps someone wasn't handling the pressure of sudden attention well."
The implication was clear. A shocked murmur ran through the audience as heads turned toward Elijah.
After the assembly, Elijah was summoned to Cartwright's office, where Mrs. Drake was already waiting. The atmosphere was heavy with accusation.
"Mr. Walker," Cartwright began, folding his hands on his desk. "I think we all know why you're here."
"I didn't do it," Elijah said immediately, his voice firm despite his racing heart.
"Really?" Mrs. Drake interjected. "You were seen near the music room after hours."